Automatic system for handling pulverulent material



1957 H. R. PURSEL E' l' AL 2, 8, 05

AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING PULVERULENT MATERIAL Filed June 1, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ia u I INVENTORS MARK a. EN

f7 '2 H RQkD R-PURSEL /7 I BY 1957 H. R. PURSEL ETAL 2,818,305

AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING PULVERULENT MATERIAL Filed June 1, 195 3 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS MARK B oweH HAROLD R.PUR$EL 3g 4 73 BY ATTO/P/VEX Dec. 31, 1957 H. R. PURSEL ET AL 2,818,305

AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING PULVERULENT MATERIAL Filed June 1, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS MARK B. OWEN HnRow RPU SEL ATTUIQ/VEX United States Patent U AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR HANDLING PULVERULENT MATERIAL Application June 1, 1956, Serial No. 588,860

12 Claims. (Cl. 30214) This inventionrelates generally to-ash handling. systems and particularly to automatic systems for handling ash from sewage incinerators.

A conventional system of the type aforesaid customarily may comprise a group of hoppers each located under an incinerator, a group of auxiliary discharge pipe lines each equipped with a pump, and one main discharge pipe line into which all the auxiliary discharge pipe lines connect, or it may comprise a single hopper for receiving ash from a given incinerator, which single hopper is connected to a main discharge pipe line having fitted therein an ash discharge pump. The pumps are operated in any suitable sequence but each on a fixed time cycle, for example, each pump may be operated for five minutes only out of each hour, in consequence of which ash from the incinerators, discharged into the hoppers and mixed therein with water, is pumped out of the hoppers anddischarged into the main pipe line, which leads to a lagoon or storage area. There are certain disadvantages inherent in this arrangement.

An incinerator produces ash and discharges it into the associated hopper at a rate that varies throughout the day. For example, the rate of production may become full hopper load per hour during certain hours of the day, one-half a hopper load per hour during certain other hours and even less per hour during still other hours .of the day. If a pump that operates only five minutes out of each hour has the capacity necessary for handling one full hopper load of ash per hour, the pump should be able to handle an ash load that falls short of a full hopper load in a correspondingly shorter period of time. Nevertheless, the pump operates for the full five minutes. In other words, the period of time during which the pump operates is independent of the quantity of ash in the hopper, in consequence of which there is a substantial I waste of power when the rate of ash production falls.

.Another disadvantage is that for the proper operation of the conventional system employing a group of hoppers the use of automatic power operated valves in the pump suction and discharge sections of the auxiliary discharge pipe lines is essential. In .addition to being expensive, these valves are troublesome to operate and maintain because of the abrasive characteristics of ash.

When the lagoon or storage area into which the ash laden water is discharged is filled to capacity, a section is added to the main discha'rge pipe line in order that the ash may be conveyed to a new area. The change in .thepipe length correspondingly increases the head against which the pump must operate, and as it is not practical to throttle thedischarge of a materials handling pump, the pump head must be adjusted to balance the pipe system head.v If thepump is :of the centrifugal dredge type,,.-the .head may be changed by changing the speed ofthe pump, which is done byadjusting thepower transmission ,between the constant speed motor-and. the pump. 2 The necessityior adjusting eachandevery-pump every,;.tirne the length of the .maindischarge pipe line is changed definitely .is an inconvenience.

Patented Dec. 31, 195? Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators wherein the operation of pumping the ash laden water out of a hopper begins whenever the hopper contains a predetermined quantity of ash and continues for a predetermined period of time sufficient for removing the ash from the hopper.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide such a system which is characterized by a total absence of automatic power operated valves.

And still another important object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein a change in the pipe system head is balanced by adjustment of one pump only, irrespective of the number of pumps in the system.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully hereinafter, it being understood that the invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as described in the accompanying drawings and as finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is a schematic plan view of a system constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation of the system of Figure l; v

Figure 3 is a plan view of an ash hopper, parts being broken away to expose others;

Figure 4 is a vertical section through the ash hopper taken on line 44 of Figure 3;

Figure 4A is a vertical section taken on line 4A-4-A of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a vertical section through the ash hopper taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan view of an ash transfer sump; and

Figure 7 is a vertical section taken on line 77 of Figure 6.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the ash handling system which is illustrated comprises a group of ash receivers or hoppers that are designated generally by the numerals 11 through 16, the several hoppers being operatively associated respectively with a group of incinerators designated generally by the numerals 17 through 22. A group of auxiliary discharge pipe lines designated generally by the numerals 23 through 28 extend respectively from the several hoppers to an ash transfer sump designated generally by the numeral 29. A main discharge pipe line designated generally by the numeral 3% extends from the transfer sump to a lagoon or storage area. The auxiliary discharge pipe lines 23 through 28 are equipped respectively with ash pumps, preferably of the centrifugal dredge type, designated generally by the numerals 31 through 36, and the main discharge pipe line 30 is equipped with a sump pump likewise preferably of the centrifugal dredge type, designated generally by the numeral 37. The numerals 37a designate normally open plug valves respectively in the auxiliary discharge lines 23 through 28.

Referring particularly to Figures 3, 4, 4A, and 5, the ash hoppers are each provided with a bottom 38, inclined side wall sections 39 through 42, upright side wall sections 43 through 4-6, and a cover 47. The latter is located a short distance below the floor of the incinerator, designated by the numeral 48, and the interiors of the incinerator and the hopper are placed in communication by a closed chute 49 that extends upwardly from the hopper cover 47 into the incinerator floor 48.

The intake end of the auxiliary discharge pipe line that is associated with the hopper extends upwardly from the proximity of the hopper bottom 38, as at so, and then extends horizontally through the upright side wall section 46, as at 51. Just above the auxiliary discharge pipe line is a horizontally extending screen 52, and immediately above the latter, in the upright side wall section 43, is a cleanout door 53.

Depending from the hopper cover 47 is an elongated plate member 54 that has longitudinally extending opposite side edges secured to the upright side wall section 43 of the hopper, whereby there is formed a vertically extending open bottomed section or chamber 55 that is rectangular in transverse cross section. Likewise depending from the hopper cover 47 is an elongated plate member 56 that has longitudinally extending opposite side edges secured respectively to the upright side wall sections 44 and 45 of the hopper, whereby there is formed a vertically extending section or chamber 57 that is rectangular in transverse cross section. overhanging the upright side wall section 44 is an overflow chamber 58, the former being provided with a rectangular aperture 59 through which the chambers 57 and 58 communicate.

Extending horizontally along the upright side wall 43 of. the hopper is a pipe line 60 that is equipped with a valve 61. The latter is provided with control means including i a lever 62 that extends horizontally over the hopper cover 47, a rod 63 that depends from the lever 62 and extends into the chamber 55, passing freely through a slot 64 which is formed in the hopper cover 47, and a float 65 that is mounted on the lower end of the rod 63.

Mounted upon the hopper cover 47 is a sequence controller 66 that is connected in electric circuit with the electric motor of the pump in the auxiliary discharge pipe line associated with the hopper and with certain valve controlling solenoids (not shown). The controller 66 is provided with a rod 67 that depends from the controller 66 and extends into the chamber 57, passing freely through the hopper cover 47, a float 68 that is mounted on the end of the rod 67, and a guide sleeve 69 that depends from the cover 47 and within which the float 68 moves freely.

The ash hopper is provided with agitator nozzles designated 70, which agitator nozzles are operatively associated with valve controlling solenoids, not shown, connected in electric circuit with the controller 66.

Referring particularly to Figures 6 and 7, the ash trans" fer sump is provided with a flat horizontally extending bottom section 71, a conical bottom section 72, and a cylindrical sidewall section 73. The intake end of the main discharge pipe line extends upwardly from the proximity of the flat bottom section 71 of the sump, as at 74, and then extends horizontally through the conical bottom section '72 of the ash transfer sump, as at 75.

Within the sump, at the level where the conical bottom section 72 and the cylindrical side wall section 73 are joined, is an elongated plate member 76 that has longitudinally extending opposite side edges secured to the conical bottom section 72 and the cylindrical side well section 75 of the transfer sump, whereby there is formed a vertically extending section or chamber 77 that is open at both top and bottom. Overhanging the cylindrical side wall section 73 of the sump is an overflow chamber 73, the former being provided with an aperture 79 through which the chambers 78 and the interior of the transfer sump communicate.

Extending to the sump is a pipe line 88 that is equipped with a valve 811. The latter is provided with control means including a. lever 82, that is operatively connected, by suitable linkage, not shown, to a horizontally extending pivot. rod 83 which is suitably projected through the cylindrical side wall section 73 and the plate member 76, an arm 84 that extends laterally from the rod 83 and which is fixed thereto, and a float that is mounted on the end of the arm 84 and which is located in the chamber 7'7.

Mounted upon the cylindrical side wall section '73, in any suitable manner, is a sequential controller 86 that is connected in electric circuit with the electric motor of the pump 37 and with certain valve controlling solenoids, not shown. The controller 86 is provided with a rod 87' that depends from the switch and extends into the transfer sump, a float 88 that is mounted on the end of the rod 87, and a guide sleeve 89 that extends downwardly into the transfer sump and within which the float 88 moves freely.

The sump is provided with agitator nozzles designated 90, which agitator nozzles are operatively associated with valve controlling solenoids, not shown, connected in electric circuit with the controller 86.

Extending horizontally across the open top of the transfer sump is a beam 91 that carries a baffle plate 92 which is of inverted E. shape. Likewise extending horizontally across the open top of the transfer sump is a beam 93 that is disposed in parallel spaced relation to the baffie plate 92. The outlet ends of the auxiliary discharge pipe lines 23 through 28 extend over the rim of the transfer sump and over the beam 93, being secured to the latter, as by U-bolts 94.

In the operation of a one hopper system, water from the pipe line 60 enters the hopper through an inlet 95. A predetermined minimum water level, designated A, is maintained in the hopper by movement of the float 65, which operates the valve 61 through the rod 63 and lever 62. The incinerator associated with the hopper has a rate of ash production that varies throughout the day. The ash, in granular form, is gravity discharged from the incinerator through the closed chute 49, whereupon it drops into the ash hopper and accumulates at the bottom thereof. As this accumulation increases, water is displaced and the water level rises until it reaches a predetermined higher level, designated B, whereupon the float 68 operates the controller 66. As a result, the solenoid controlled valve associated with the agitator nozzles '70 opens and water enters the ash hopper through the agitator nozzles 70, stirring up the contents thereof, as a consequence of which the water rises to a still higher level, designated C. After a predetermined period of time, in the order of five seconds, the sequence controller 66 operates to start the ash pump, in consequence of which ash laden water is re moved from the ash hopper through the auxiliary discharge pipe line and delivered to a lagoon or storage area. While the ash pump operates, water continues to enter the ash hopper through the agitator nozzles 70. The ash pump operates for a predetermined period of time, in the order of five minutes, which is more than sufficient time for the water to be restored to the level A, and which is ample to permit discharge from the ash hopper of the ash accumulated therein prior to operation of the ash pump. It will be understood that after the water is re stored to the level A, it is maintained at that level by operation of the float working on the valve 61. At the conclusion of the period of five minutes, the sequence controller 66 operates to deenergize the agitator solenoid to thereby shut all the flow of agitator water and to cut out the ash pump.

It will be understood, of course, that ash from the incinerator continues to be discharged into the ash hopper, and whenever the amount thereof is again of a volume sufiicient to cause displacement of the water in the hopper to the level B, then the solenoid controlled valve associated with the agitator nozzles is operated once more to open said nozzles for entry of agitating water into the hopper, following which the sequence of operation as above described is repeated until the ash pump again cuts out. Thus, it will be evident that the ash pump operates for predeterrninedly fixed periods of time at a frequency of operation which fluctuates, said frequency being determined solely by the amount of ash produced in the incinerator, delivered from the incienrator to the ash hopper and effective in the latter for displacing the water therein.

The floats 65 and 68 are located respectively in the chambers 55 and 57 because the remainder of the space in the ash hopper, above the water level, is under negative pressure due to the incinerator draft. This arrange- Operation of the individual ash hoppers ina multiple ash -hopper system is the same as describedhereinabove. However, it will be noted that each of the incinerators in the gang 17 through 22 has a varying rate of ash production that is independent of the variable rate of ash production of the other incinerators, in consequence of which each of the ash hoppers 11 through 16 operates independently of the others. In addition, the auxiliary discharge pipe lines 23 through 28 deliver the ash laden water from the ash hoppers to the transfer sump 29, not to a lagoon or storage area.

Water from the pipe line 80 enters the transfer sump 2 through the inlet 96. A predetermined minimum water level, designated D, is maintained in the transfer sump by movement of the float 85, which operates the valve 81 through the arm 84 and pivot rod .83 operatively connected to the lever 52.. The ash laden water from the auxiliary discharge lines 23 through 28'is discharged therefrom against the baflie plate 92, from whence it drops into the transfer sump. When the water has risen to a predetermined higher level, designated E, the'float 88 operates the controller 86. As a result, the solenoid controlled valve associated with the agitator nozzles 90 opens and water enters the transfer sump through the agitator nozzles 90, stirring up the contents thereof, as a consequence of which the water rises to a still higher level, designated F. After a predetermined period of time, in the order of two minutes, the sequence controller 86 operates to start the sump pump 37, in consequence of which the ash laden water is removed from the transfer sump through the main discharge pipe line 30 and delivered to the lagoon or storage area. While the sump pump 37 operates, water continues to enter the transfer sump through the agitator nozzles 90. The sump pump 37 continues to operate for a predetermined period of time, in the order of minutes, which is more than sufficient time for the water to be restored to the level D, and which is ample to permit discharge from the transfer sump of the ash laden water accumulated therein prior to operation of the sump pump 37. It will be understood that after the water is restored to the level D, it is maintained at that level by operation of the float 85 working on the valve 81. At the conclusion of the period of 15 minutes, the sequence controller 86 operates to deenergize the agitator solenoid to thereby shut off the flow of agitator water and to cut out the sump pump 37.

It will be understood, of course, that the ash laden water or slurry from the ash hoppers continues to be discharged into the transfer sump, and whenever-the amount thereof is again of a volume suflicient to raise the water in the transfer sump to the level B, then the solenoid controlled valve associated with the agitator nozzles is operated once more to open said nozzles for entry of agitating Water into the transfer sump, following which the sequence of operation as above described is repeated until the sump pump 37 again cuts out. Thus, it will be evident that the sump pump 37 operates for predeterminedly fixed periods of time at a frequency of operation which fluctuates, said frequency being determined solely by the volume of ash laden water or slurry delivered to the transfer sump.

It will be understood, of course, that the present invention as hereinbefore described and shown in the accompanying drawing is susceptible of various changes and modifications which may be made from time to time without departing from the general principles or real spirit of the invention. For example, operation of the sump or of an ash pump and of the associated agitator nozzles may commence simultaneously, or operation of a pump may commence before the operation of the associated agitator nozzles. Furthermore, operation of the sump or an ash pump may be initiated when the level of the ash laden water in the ash hopper or transfer sump reaches any predetermined level, instead of at the expiration of a predetermined period of time after the Water has reached a predetermined level. Still further, mechanicalagitators can' be substituted for the agitators shown and described, or agitators could be dispensed with altogether. Accordingly, it is intended to claim the same broadly, as well as specifically, as indicated by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and useful is:

l. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators, a plurality of ash receivers, a sump, a plurality of conduits connected respectively to said ash receivers and operatively connected to said sump, means for supplying said ash receivers with water for conveying the ash and automatically maintaining the water in said receivers at a predetermined minimum level, a plurality of pumps associated respectively with said conduits and operable for pumping ash laden water out of said ash receivers, through said conduits and into said sump, means responsive to a predetermined higher water level in said ash receivers for automatically initiating operation of said pumps, whereupon the latter operate for a predetermined period of time suflicient for unloading said ash receivers, a main conduit connected to said sump and extending to an area of final discharge from the system, and a pump associated with said main conduit and operable for pumping ash laden water out of said sump, through said main conduit and into said final discharge area.

2. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators as defined in claim 1 wherein the ash receivers are each provided with means for subdividing the upper portion thereof into open bottomed sections that extend vertically to a level below the minimum water level, one of which sections is adapted for communication with the interior of the incinerator and another of which sections communicates with atmosphere, and the means responsive to the higher water level for initiating operation of the pumps includes a water level float in the latter of said sections.

3. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators, a plurality of ash receivers, a sump, a plurality of conduits connected respectively to said ash receivers and operatively connected to said sump, means for supplying said ash receivers with water for conveying the ash and automatically maintaining the water in said receivers at a predetermined minimum level, a plurality of pumps associated respectively with said conduits and operable for pumping ash laden Water out of said ash receivers, through said conduits and into said sump, a plurality of means associated respectively with said ash receivers and each responsive to a predetermined higher water level in its ash receiver for automatically initiating operation of the associated pump independently of the Water level in the other ash receivers, whereupon said associated pump operates for a predetermined period of time sufficient for unloading its ash receiver, a main conduit connected to said sump and extending to an area of final discharge from the system, and a pump associated with said main conduit and operable for pumping ash laden Water out of said pump, through said main conduit and into said final discharge area.

4. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage in incinerators, a plurality of ash receivers, a sump, a plurality of conduits connected respectively to said ash receivers and operatively connected to said sump, means for supplying said ash receivers with Water for conveying the ash and automatically maintaining the Water in said receivers at a predetermined minimum level, a plurality of pumps associated respectively with said conduits and operable for pumping ash laden water out of said ash receivers, through said conduits and into said sump, means responsive to a predetermined higher water level in said ash receivers for automatically initiating operation of said pumps, whereupon the latter operate for a predetermined period of time sufiicient for unloading said ash receivers, a main conduit connected to said sump and extending to an area of final discharge from the system, means for supplying said sump with Water and automatically maintaining the water in said sump at a predetermined minimum level, a pump associated with said main conduit and operable for pumping ash laden water out of said sump, through said main conduit and into said final discharge area, and means responsive to a predetermined higher water level in said sump for automatically initiating operation of said sump pump, whereupon the latter operates for a predetermined period of time sufiicient for unloading said sump.

5. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators as defined in claim 4 wherein the means responsive to the predetermined higher Water levels in the sump and the several ash receivers operate independently of one another, each being responsive only to the higher water level in the associated sump or ash receiver.

6. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators as defined in claim 4 wherein the sump and ash receivers are provided with means for agitating the ash laden Water, and the operation of each of the pumps in the system is delayed for a predetermined period of time after the water in the associated sump or ash receiver reaches the predetermined higher pump operating level, during which period of time said agitating means operates to agitate the ash laden water.

7. In an automatic system for handling ash from seW- age incinerators, ash receiving means, means for supplying said ash receiving means with Water to serve as a conveying vehicle for the ash and automatically maintaining the Water in said ash receiving means at a predetermined minimum level, pump means for pumping ash laden water out of said ash receiving means, and means responsive to a predetermined higher level of the ash laden Water in said ash receiving means for automatically initiating operation of said pump means for discharge of the ash laden water from said ash receiving means.

8. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators, ash receiving means, means for supplying said ash receiving means with Water to serve as a conveying vehicle for the ash and automatically maintaining the water in said ash receiving means at a predetermined minimum level, pump means for pumping ash laden Water out of said ash receiving means, and means responsive to a predetermined higher level of the ash laden water in said ash receiving means for automatically initiating operation of said pump means for discharge of the ash laden water from said ash receiving means, said pump means being operative for a predetermined period of time sufiicient for unloading said ash receiving means.

9. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said ash receiving means is a hopper provided with means for subdividing the upper portion of the hopper into open bottomed sections that extend vertically to a level below the minimum water level, one of which sections is adapted for communication with the interior of the associated incinerator and another of which sections communicates with atmosphere, and the means responsive to the higher Water level for initiating operation of the pump means includes a water level float in the latter of said sections.

10. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said ash receiving means is a hopper provided with means for agitating the ash laden Water, and the operation of the pump means for unloading the hopper is delayed for a predetermined period of time after the water in the hopper reaches the predetermined higher pump operating level, during which time delay period said agitating means operates to agitate the ash laden water.

11. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators, ash receiving means, means for supplying said ash receiving means with water to serve as a conveying vehicle for the ash and automatically maintaining the water in said ash receiving means at a predetermined minimum level, pump means arranged to commence pumping ash laden Water out of said ash receiving means at a time which bears a fixed critical relation to the time when said ash laden water reaches a predetermined higher level.

12. In an automatic system for handling ash from sewage incinerators, ash receiving means, means for supplying said ash receiving means with water to serve as a conveying vehicle for the ash and automatically maintaining the water in said ash receiving means at a predetermined minimum level, pump means arranged to commence pumping ash laden Water out of said ash receiving means whenever said ash laden water reaches a predetermined higher level and an additional predetermined condition of operation has been satisfied.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,990,446 Allen Feb. 5, 1935 2,325,432 Simpson July 27, 1943 2,504,081 Mylting Apr. 11, 1950 2,706,136 Hughes Apr. 12, 1955 

